Anglian doubles its support for Covid-hit

Anglian Water has unveiled plans to double to £2m its support for customers and communities who are struggling against financial and other impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Anglian has established a £1 million fund to support food banks, outreach programmes and other organisations helping the most vulnerable. The company said its Positive Difference Fund will be distributed through “a locally appointed partner” which has expertise in distributing money to people with the greatest need.

Half of the fund will be made available immediately to support community organisations on the front line of the battle against coronavirus with the rest released to meet emerging needs later in the year.

The Positive Difference Fund, Anglian said, adds to its existing £1million Assistance Fund for customers who are struggling to pay bills. And the company said it has introduced “supply chain deals and enhanced payment terms” to keep thousands more in employment as key workers. Steps taken to support the supply chain include:

• paying suppliers quicker, releasing more than £5m in March;

• “advanced procurement opportunities” for small and medium-size suppliers; and

• supporting supply chain company staff who have been hit with pay cuts by their employer.

Anglian Water's chief executive, Peter Simpson, said: “As key workers we've so far been able to keep all our colleagues employed, and we'll do everything we can to maintain that. We know many thousands will not be so fortunate, and we sincerely hope this fund can go some way to helping them.